Page 153 of No Such Thing as Serendipity

“It’s unbelievable how many people are here,” Annie said. “I counted over a hundred and twenty.”

“Right?” Katlynn added.

“It’s a tribute to the wonderful instructors.” Helena looked at Robyn. “Especially our favorite one.”

Robyn’s cheeks reddened. “You’re too kind, but thank you.”

“Is such large attendance typical?” Emma asked.

Robyn shook her head. “No, but this session Vera increased the number of classes that welcomed outside participants.” Robyn rubbed her chin. “I have mixed feelings about it.”

“Why?” Helena asked.

“Growing participation is great, however, the full retreat attendees’ experience shouldn’t suffer. Do you ladies feel it inhibited you?”

“Not at all,” Annie said. “I felt there were enough offerings strictly for us with the full ticket.”

Robyn smiled. “Good to know.”

“I’m not sure we’d have signed up for the hidden talent talent show if we’d realized it would be a full house.” Katlynn scanned the crowd. “I think I have stage fright.”

“It’s all right, babe,” Helena said. “I’ll be right there with you.”

“Are you going to tell us what you’re doing?” Emma asked.

“Only if you and Blake tell us what your act is,” Katlynn shot back.

Robyn looked at me out of the corner of her eye. “I didn’t know you were going to perform.”

“Um, yeah…we’re the closing act.” I looked across the table at Emma.

“But it’s a surprise,” Emma added. “We’re gonna dazzle you all.”

“Why do you think I drove all the way here from Chicago?” Dana said, entering the conversation.

I felt Robyn tense beside me, so I decided to lighten the tone. I swept my hand out in an arc. “We have fans coming from far and wide to see the sister act.”

While I didn’t want to rush the last day with my friends, I struggled to stay focused and enjoy my time with them, so I was glad when Vera returned to the stage. She announced the show would start in fifteen minutes.

Everyone scattered to grab another beverage, hit the restroom, or prepare for their performance. Despite the break, there wasn’t ample time to start a deep discussion with Robyn. Instead, I excused myself and huddled with Emma about our performance. Since we were last, we’d watch the first eight performances before we made our way backstage between the eighth and ninth.

Shortly after I settled back in my seat, the lights dimmed. I glanced at Robyn and offered my hand to her. She looked at it for a beat before she took it. Her hands were surprisingly cold.

I leaned over to Robyn. “Are you okay?”

Robyn nodded.

“But your hands are so cold.”

She shrugged. “I’m fine. It happens sometimes, but the rest of me isn’t cold.”

Her tell? I didn’t explore further since Vera called the first act to the stage. I scooted my chair closer to Robyn and squeezed her hand.

While Robyn’s presence was comforting, I felt the apprehension radiating from her. The show at least gave us a diversion. The opening act was a standup routine, followed by Helena and Katlynn, badly singingI Got You Babewhile decked out in Sonny and Cher costumes. Helena’s mustache flapped every time she opened her mouth as they played off the opening comedienne.

My shoulders relaxed once I allowed myself to enjoy the other performers. I was still holding Robyn’s now warm hand when Emma waved from across the table. The stagehands brandished brooms as they swept up confetti, which littered the stage from the previous act.

“We need to go now,” Emma said.